Does Ambulatory Phlebectomy Cause Scarring?

Varicose veins affect many patients in Newton, Massachusetts and in other areas of the country. They are often a very embarrassing condition that causes self-consciousness in many. The veins appear as bulging and are usually purplish in color. Varicose veins may even cause some degree of pain and discomfort, while some have reported that the condition causes heaviness in the legs. Needless to say, treatment for varicose veins is often in high demand among those suffering from the venous disease.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure designed to bring relief to those with large, superficial varicose veins. Before treatment, all patients are encouraged to discuss their candidacy for the procedure, as those with smaller varicose veins and spider veins may be encouraged to seek other treatment options. Individuals interested in ambulatory phlebectomy should disclose all of their medical conditions as well as any medicines they are taking or have taken recently.

The emergence of non- or minimally-invasive varicose vein treatments has been welcomed by patients suffering from the condition. In the past, only surgical options were available to most patients, while today, many may find relief from less invasive options. Surgical methods of treatment may still be recommended for some individuals and all patients are encouraged to heed to the advice of their vein specialist.

One of the advantages of ambulatory phlebectomy over surgical options is that it does not require a general anesthetic and does not leave scars behind. While there are incisions involved in this procedure, they are so small that they heal without scarring. Darker skinned individuals may require more time for the incisions to completely fade and some may experience some minor scarring, but the incisions usually fade without scarring.

The procedure is performed by marking the veins in the leg and then first applying a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. The anesthetic used is often helpful in separating the veins from the surrounding tissue and compresses the capillaries to reduce the risk of bleeding. Once the area is numb, incisions are made along the vein and vein hooks are used to remove the problem veins. Sutures are not required, as the incisions are small enough to heal on their own. They even help drain fluids postoperatively. Pads are put in place to absorb the fluids and a compression bandage is used to wrap the area.

The compression bandage should be kept in place for 24 to 48 hours or however long the physician recommends. Patients are encouraged to walk after the procedure to aid in the healing process. Compression stockings should be worn once the compression bandage has been removed. These should be worn for one to three weeks, although this may vary. Most are able to return to work and resume other normal activities after about one to three days, although prolonged standing and heavy lifting should be avoided in the weeks following ambulatory phlebectomy.

Possible risks associated with this procedure include discoloration of the skin around the treatment area, numbness and tingling. These typically resolve on their own, however. There is also the risk of a recurrence of the varicose veins. Patients should discuss this possibility with a trained vein specialist in the Newton area. Further information may be found at a reputable vein clinic in the area.

Learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy in Newton, Massachusetts.